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Label Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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label

[หˆleษชbษ™l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

product

A small piece of paper, fabric, plastic, or similar material attached to an object and giving information about it.

Synonyms

sticker, tab, tag.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
label

In a metaphorical sense, it is used to categorize people or ideas, often with a negative connotation.

  • Don't label people based on their appearance.
  • She hated being labeled as just a 'housewife'.
tag

Can also refer to a keyword or label used to categorize digital content, like photos or blog posts.

  • Add a tag to your blog post to improve its searchability.
  • She tagged me in the Instagram photo.
sticker

Commonly used in informal settings, especially when talking about decorative or adhesive items.

  • She put a cute cat sticker on her notebook.
  • I got a sticker for participating in the event.
tab

Often used in digital or administrative contexts, indicating a section in software, documents, or files.

  • Click on the 'Settings' tab to change your preferences.
  • Keep the beer on my tab, I'll pay later.

Examples of usage

  • The label on the bottle said it was made in Italy.
  • The clothing had the size label sewn into the collar.
Context #2 | Verb

identify

To attach a label to something in order to identify or categorize it.

Synonyms

describe, mark, tag.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
label

Appropriate for providing a name or category for an item or group, often found on products.

  • The bottle had a label with nutritional information
  • She carefully read the label before buying the dress
tag

Commonly used for a piece of paper or other material attached to something, often for identification or providing information. It is also used in a digital context, such as tagging people on social media.

  • He forgot to remove the price tag from the shirt
  • She tagged her friend in the photo on Facebook
mark

Refers to making a visible indication or symbol to note something, such as highlighting or showing importance. It can also have a negative connotation when referring to damage or blemishes.

  • She marked the important dates in her calendar
  • The teacher marked the studentsโ€™ tests with red ink
  • The table was marked by scratches
describe

Used when giving a detailed account of the characteristics or features of something or someone.

  • Can you describe what happened at the meeting? He described the scenery in vivid detail

Examples of usage

  • She labeled all the boxes with different colors for easy identification.
  • The files were carefully labeled and organized.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Labels can influence consumer behavior; flashy or elegant packaging can make a product more appealing.
  • In art and fashion, labels often signify status, with designer labels indicating luxury and exclusivity.
  • In many cultures, certain labels carry social meanings, conveying group identity or personal expression.

Technology

  • In programming, 'label' refers to a marker in code that identifies where to jump within a script or indicate information.
  • In machine learning, labels are used to teach algorithms to recognize patterns, helping to classify data.
  • Modern inventory systems use digital labels, allowing for efficient tracking of products in warehouses.

Psychology

  • Labels can affect self-perception; being labeled can create positive or negative connotations based on societal views.
  • In psychology, labeling theory suggests that labels can influence peopleโ€™s behavior and identities.
  • The concept of 'stigma' often relates to negative labels that can affect mental health and social interactions.

Literature

  • In literary analysis, labels for genres help categorize works, like 'fiction' or 'non-fiction,' guiding reader expectations.
  • Characters in novels may bear labels that reflect societyโ€™s views, influencing their development and relationships.
  • Authors often use labels metaphorically to explore themes, such as identity or belonging, throughout their narratives.

Origin of 'label'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'label' comes from the Old French word 'label,' meaning 'a small piece of paper,' which itself derives from the Latin 'libella.'
  • Originally, in medieval times, labels referred to tags that indicated the owner of an object or the contents of a package.
  • The use of labels expanded in the 18th century with the rise of commerce and the need for product identification.

The word 'label' originated from the Old French word 'labell' which meant a small strip or tag. The usage of 'label' evolved over time to refer to a small piece of paper or material attached to an object. In modern times, labels are commonly used for identification, categorization, and information purposes in various industries.

See also: lab, labium, labour.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,998, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.